I have seen various recommendations for the speed of Nice shot reloads. On the old blog on the Nice shot web site a few years ago Dan recommended around 1200-1250. Since us waterfowlers seem to be addicted to speed I am wondering if the previous recommendations are still in vogue. I am sure the correct answer is to pattern and find the best load, but what are people finding. Save me some research.

I loaded up some for my old Fox Sterlingworth, but no actual on bird performance reports yet. 1 1/8oz of Nice shot at 1240fps in 6, 5 & 2's. Here is an exceprt from DHC where I was looking for an effective range for my load:

Calculations using Shotshell Ballistics give these results for 1000 ft elevation, 32 F, and 1240 fps 3-ft velocity ( I used 1235 because 1240 was not an option), and 1.5" of penetration in ballistic gelatin. 1.5" penetration will allow you to kill big ducks in most orientations to the shot path.

#6 - 33 yd#5 - 43 yd#2 - 74 yd

#2 is overkill and #5 and #6 should work well.

For big geese, #2 would be the best load by quite a bit. In fact the #6 and #5 are really unsuitable unless you get one in real cIose or hit them in the head. I like 2.25" of gel penetration for these and the numbers are:

I suggest the 1200-1250fps loadings because they work and it does reduce recoil considerably. I see Oddgauge likes a bit more speed and that is fine. The end result is dead game either way. That is why I also stated to use your favorite hunting load when using Nice Shot, just be sure you're not maxing out the pressures. Although I have been known to Hot Dog my 10 gauge loads, and end the day with a nice bruise.

Use what you really like and it won't be wrong.

And thank you for the extra info dnj21!

Dan

_________________The essence of freedom is the proper limitation of government.

I have noticed that my first reloads, 16 ga 1 ounce loads that are traveling 1370 fps did not pattern nearly as well as comparable lead loads. I have loaded a few closer to 1250 and will see if they pattern better.When I shot TSS in my 12 ga, they were 1250 fps and patterned great. So I need to see if slower loads will pattern better.